ess respecting the strain to
which her sense of responsibility as nurse as well as housekeeper must
subject so inexperienced a creature.

It was rather late in the afternoon when Mrs. Liddell reached Legrave
Crescent, and the servant showed her into the front parlor at once.
Katherine almost feared to draw her uncle's attention to the visitor. He
had had all the papers read to him, and even asked for some articles to
be read a second time; now after his dinner he seemed to doze. If he had
not noticed Mrs. Liddell's entry she had perhaps better take her away
upstairs at once, but while she thought she sprang to her and locked her
in a close, silent embrace.

Turning from her, he saw that Mr. Liddell's eyes were open and fixed
upon them, and she said, softly: "I am sorry you have been disturbed. I
shall take my mother to my room; perhaps if you want anything you will
ring for me."

"I will," he returned; and Mrs. Liddell thought his tone a little less
harsh than usual. "I said you might come and see your daughter when you
like," he added, "and I repeat it. You have brought her up more usefully
than I expected." Having spoken, he leaned his head back wearily and
closed his eyes.

"I am pleased to hear you say so," returned Mrs. Liddell, quietly, and
immediately followed her daughter out of the room.

"Oh, darling mother, I am so delighted to have you here all to myself!
It is even better than going home," cried Kate, when they were safe in
her own special chamber. "But you are looking pale and worn and
thin--_so_ much thinner!"

"That is an improvement, Katherine," returned Mrs. Liddell; "I shall
look all the younger."

"Ah! but your face looks older, dear. What has been worrying you? Has
Ada--"

"Ada has never worried me, as you know, Katie," interrupted Mrs.
Liddell. "She is not exactly the companion I should choose for every day
of my life, but she has always been kind and nice with me."

"Oh, she is not bad, and she would be clever if she managed to make
_you_ quarrel. I am quite different. Now I must get you some tea. Pray
look round while I am gone, and see how comfortable it is;" and
Katherine hurried away.

She soon returned, followed by Mrs. Knapp, who was glad to carry up the
tea-tray to the pleasant, sensible lady who had engaged her for what
proved to be not an uncomfortable situation. When, after a few civil
words, she retired, with what delight and tender care Katie waited on
her mother, putting